Mercury magazine

Table of Contents:

[17] Space News

A rundown of some of the most notable discoveries and need-to-know news in space and time.

[26] Earth’s First Asteroid Defender was a Smashing Success

How DART, NASA’s first kinetic impactor, could spark a new era of planetary defense.

[33] The Sun, Moon, and You

This guide will help you prepare yourself, students, friends, and neighbors — and provide tips on running events — for the October 2023 and April 2024 solar eclipses.

[43] How Amateur Astronomy Has Evolved

Amateur astronomy has changed drastically over the past couple hundred years, but it’s always encouraged people to look up.

[52] Seven ASP Awards Awarded in 2022

In November, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific presented the 2022 awards for astronomy research and education.

Departments:

[4] Perspectives, Liz Kruesi

Double Issue Surprise

[5] First Word, Astronomical Society of the Pacific

American Astronomical Society awards its 2023 Education Prize to Linda Shore

[6] Annals of Astronomy, Clifford J. Cunningham

Adamite Astronomy

[8] Armchair Astrophysics, Christopher Wanjek

Astronomers Just Giddy Over JWST Results

[10] Education Matters, Brian Kruse

Standing in the Shadow of the Moon

[13] A Little Learning, Scott T. Miller and C. Renée James

Radio Frequency Interference

[61] Reflections, Liz Kruesi

Revealing a Galaxy’s Dusty Clumps

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Earth’s First Asteroid Defender was a Smashing Success (Feature)

By Sarah Wells

In September 2022, Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) became the first asteroid-deflecting spacecraft to demonstrate how to nudge the path of an asteroid out of harm’s way. While the binary asteroid system targeted by DART, Didymos and its “moonlet” Dimorphos, was never a potential threat to Earth, the mission’s success has the potential to move planetary defense from the drawing board to reality.

Image credit (2023V51i34_feature1.jpg):

ASI/NASA

The Sun, Moon, and You (Feature)

By Douglas Duncan

In 2023 and 2024, two solar eclipses will be visible throughout the United States, and we have a great opportunity to enable students and others to enjoy a rare spectacle. Astronomy professor Douglas Duncan provides a guide to help you prepare yourself, students, friends, and neighbors for the upcoming eclipses. Think of this article as a must-read primer to improve people’s eclipse-viewing experience.

Image credit (2023V51i34_feature2.jpg):

Liz Kruesi

How Amateur Astronomy Has Evolved (Feature)

By Briley Lewis

Amateur astronomy groups are in every state — and across the globe. They provide a sense of community for space-interested folks, do impactful local science communication, and contribute to scientific discoveries. They cultivate an interest in astronomy, for some inspiring careers and for others a great hobby, or at least a greater appreciation for the universe. Where did these groups come from, and why is there this divide between “amateur” and “professional” astronomy?

Image credit (2023V51i34_feature3.jpg):

NPS/Jacob W. Frank

Seven ASP Awards Awarded in 2022 (Feature)

By Liz Kruesi

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) each year recognizes individual achievements in astronomy research, technology, education, and public outreach with the organization’s awards. Recipients of our awards have included luminaries such as Edwin Hubble, Vera Rubin, Isaac Asimov, Margaret Burbidge, Carl Sagan, and Katherine Johnson. In 2022, we honored seven individuals who are doing wonderful work in-line with the ASP’s mission.

Image credit (2023V51i34_feature4.jpg)

NRAO/NASA/ESA/Hubble; Processing: Jayanne English (U. Manitoba)